I recently was talking to one of my cousins who has been a Penn State Fan her entire life (a whole 17 years) and what she said shocked me. She said she hasn't worn a single item of Penn State apparel all year. Not a t-shirt, sweater, pair of shorts, or headband. She even took her bumper sticker off her car.I asked her why she did such a ridiculous thing and turned her back on a University that has provided her with so many joyful moments. Her answer was short and to the point "I'm ashamed". This really made me think, why should she have to be ashamed for the actions of a sick man. Why should she feel she needs to hide her fanship and have to hide her Penn State Pride. I think this is a feeling that many PSU fans have felt over the past year. Embarassed to route for a team in the midst of scandal. It's almost like they think if they show support to a group of innocent young men then they are endorsing the actions of one guilty old pervert. This is in no way true. The truth is there is no shame in rooting for a team that had nothing to do with those despicable crimes. You should feel the same amount of pride that you felt before the veil was pulled on the monster that was Jerry Sandusky. Personally I still dawn all my PSU apparel and don't feel anything but pride when doing it. Sports are a form of entertainment and can be a nice escape from this cruel harsh world and we can't let the actions of one man ruin that too.
-OneTeam
Sidenote- Do not misconstrue this as me not having compassion for the victims. It makes me sick thinking of how that man preyed on underprivileged boys and he used his community connections to do it. I pray for them and hope that they are able to live full and happy lives.
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